Perhaps this post should rest in the thread for precept discussion, but exactly where I am not sure. Jundo may move this post, that's fine.
For me the precepts are interwoven into a single blanket - united as one, whilst each strand of weft and warp clearly visible still. "Do no harm" unifies them and each precept grows out of that root.
This week I spoke to a friend who, I believe, is making a mistake in their life that they will regret in a few years time. Whilst knowing that I should not judge others, I have also promised to save all sentient beings. So, some sense of good and bad, of right and wrong, is useful when navigating through life. Despite being nothing special myself, I was the only person who would suggest an alternative way of living to my friend. Everyone else seems oblivious - or they are caught up in exactly the same patterns of behaviour and lifestyle. I am certainly not superior to them, yet how can I stand by and say nothing? In order to be true to my promise to keep these precepts and to keep the Boddhisattva vows, I opened a conversation.
As tactfully as possible, but being open and honest, I presented my point of view - just opinions - not preaching fire and brimstone. My words from my heart, were not received well. But they were heard and may perhaps be remembered and considered at some future time.
Having practiced zazen for two thirds of my life, I think I am less prone to feelings of strong emotion. This can be both good and bad. I am leaving this experience and conversation behind me now, I think I did the right thing, I would not have felt comfortable to do nothing and my intention was compassionate. Yet whatever our intent, we cannot be responsible for another person's reaction, especially when they are ruled by emotion. I know I was true to myself, to my understanding of the precepts. I was honest.
Did I do the right thing?
In Gassho
Seiko
stlah
For me the precepts are interwoven into a single blanket - united as one, whilst each strand of weft and warp clearly visible still. "Do no harm" unifies them and each precept grows out of that root.
This week I spoke to a friend who, I believe, is making a mistake in their life that they will regret in a few years time. Whilst knowing that I should not judge others, I have also promised to save all sentient beings. So, some sense of good and bad, of right and wrong, is useful when navigating through life. Despite being nothing special myself, I was the only person who would suggest an alternative way of living to my friend. Everyone else seems oblivious - or they are caught up in exactly the same patterns of behaviour and lifestyle. I am certainly not superior to them, yet how can I stand by and say nothing? In order to be true to my promise to keep these precepts and to keep the Boddhisattva vows, I opened a conversation.
As tactfully as possible, but being open and honest, I presented my point of view - just opinions - not preaching fire and brimstone. My words from my heart, were not received well. But they were heard and may perhaps be remembered and considered at some future time.
Having practiced zazen for two thirds of my life, I think I am less prone to feelings of strong emotion. This can be both good and bad. I am leaving this experience and conversation behind me now, I think I did the right thing, I would not have felt comfortable to do nothing and my intention was compassionate. Yet whatever our intent, we cannot be responsible for another person's reaction, especially when they are ruled by emotion. I know I was true to myself, to my understanding of the precepts. I was honest.
Did I do the right thing?
In Gassho
Seiko
stlah
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